As Cleveland Police launch a crackdown on dangerous dogs, RSPCA officers say the training of such animals could end in tragedy. Helen Cook follows the raids.

The ten-metre-square courtyard was the perfect setting for a blood sport the RSPCA warn could lead to a repeat of the tragic events from Liverpool on New Year's Eve.

Five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson died of severe injuries after a family member's pit bull-type dog attacked her.

Even though there was no suggestion the dog in Liverpool had been used in illegal fights, it is a tragedy that Middlesbrough residents are concerned could be repeated on Teesside.

The concerns follow an apparent rise in the popularity of dangerous dogs in the past year.

As the raids began yesterday, with warrants issued under the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991, people living close to the targeted addresses said they lived in fear of attacks.

One young woman, from Grangetown, said: "Its shocking to think they use the poor dogs for this.

"Its more of a macho thing around here, the bigger the dog the better. But if one of them got out, it could kill someone."

Chief Inspector Mike Butcher, of the RSPCA's special operations unit, was keen to echo that message.

Arriving in the North-East from the organisation's Sussex headquarters to help with the raids, Chief Insp Butcher said: "These dogs are mainly used for anti-social behaviour, but are also status symbols.

"The dogs are used for things like intimidation and making threats among criminal circles and are extremely popular in the drugs fraternity.

"Certain dogs, such as pit bull types, are interbred with other breeds and the owners are left with something that they have no control over.

"When they have no control, that's when there is a threat to the public.

"The joint operation between Cleveland Police and the RSPCA has two elements - to protect the public and to save these dogs from unnecessary cruelty."

Ch Insp Butcher said the increasing problems on Teesside are repeated across the country and the charity had helped other police forces with similar joint operations.

"People hear horror stories of pit bull dogs attacking or even killing, but they are human passive under normal circumstances. It is when the dogs are trained into reacting the danger begins.

"The dogs are the victims in this activity. If a dog is placed in an arena in a stressful situation, they are trained to attack the dog in front."

He went on to explain that the status symbol of an aggressive dog means a lack of care for the animals.

"The owners have no appreciation of the effort that goes into caring for a large animal.

"There is a lot of time that need dedicating to exercising the dogs and these dogs are not treated like pets."

Ch Insp Butcher said the RSPCA were reacting to complaints made about cruelty to animals and suspected illegal dog fighting.

He went on to say that the sport of dog fighting was made illegal in 1835 after generations of spectators and participants.

"The mere fact that these types of dogs are illegal is a major plus for these people, using the dogs as a status symbol.

"But other people are misled into believing the dog they own is a pit bull."

He went on to describe how dangerous a pit bull can be if goaded in an aggressive situation.

"Their jaws lock onto the subject and - unlike many other dogs that would bite and run away - the pit bull keeps hold and rives at its victim, causing some horrific injuries."

He added: "What is going to happen is a similar incident to the one in Liverpool over the New Year, where a family pet will react to a situation and attack a child or relative.

"These so-called owners have no control over these animals."

The RSPCA are now in possession of the five dogs that were seized during the raids yesterday.

The dogs will now be assessed for injuries and also the exact type of breed. If it is found to be an illegal breed, the dogs will probably be destroyed.

The society is hoping to prosecute under charges for causing unnecessary suffering to the animals and also for the illegal dog fighting.

Any suspect convicted could face six-months in prison and or a £5,000 fine. Criminal courts also have the powers to impose lifetime bans from keeping dogs on anyone convicted.